NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward and NSW Health’s Dr Marianne Gale addressed multicultural media on Wednesday.
They cited recent modelling from the Burnett Institute in yet another effort to ease the community’s vaccine hesitancy.
“The institute found that Sydney’s lockdown and the vaccine rollout together have prevented almost 5000 deaths and almost half a million COVID-19 infections,” Ward said in a response to a question from the Greek Herald.
“The death toll in those hotspots could have been as high as 5,800 according to that modelling.”
“You only need to look at the modelling … which shows what would have happened if there hadn’t been that vaccination rollout and if there hadn’t been those restrictions put in place.”
Minister Natalie Ward addresses the virtual meeting (Screenshot)
Dr Gale pointed to aged care facilities to reemphasise the efficacy the COVID-19 vaccine and lockdowns have had in stopping the spread.
“As we will have seen this year, we haven’t seen as many cases and severe outcomes including death in older people in aged care facilities and a big part of that is because many people in age care facilities have been vaccinated in these months before [the Delta variant] hit us.”
“The alternative [is] if we didn’t have such good coverage of vaccination in aged care facilities, potentially what we would have seen is something far worse with this Delta outbreak.”
“The question to ask ourselves and the thing to compare [it] against is, ‘What would have happened if these things were not in place?’.”
“So, it is working the measures are working, this delta variant is just very transmissible.”
About 685 deaths have occurred in Australia’s aged care facilities due to COVID-19 and account for 75 per cent of all COVID-19 deaths, according to the Guardian, as of at least June.
Dr Gale sought to ease parents’ concerns about the staggered return to face-to-face learning from October 25.
“…a report released from the [NCIRS] … [shows] that, yes, with Delta we are seeing more cases in younger people, but the majority of young people have very mild disease or are asymptomatic.
“I think clearly the transmission in young people is a concern, however, the majority of disease is mild [sic].”
The COVID-19 press conferences are now interpreted live in Modern Greek.
Autism has been described by many as something that impedes someone’s daily life, making it difficult to go through the routines of the average person.
However, a group of young Greeks from Darwin are looking at the situation from the opposite angle, claiming that rather than keeping them from doing other things, living with autism allows them to maintain focus on their hobbies and raises their senses.
Speaking to ABC Radio, the group calling themselves the A-Team, which consists of Michali, Manoli, Niko and James, point out that autism is like their own special “superpower” and even go far as to describe it as a ‘gift’, that makes them unique and special.
One of the members of the group, Niko, who has photographic memory said that while a lot of people have different levels of autism, they still maintain their emotions, which is why they avoid stereotyping.
Another member, James, added that living with this medical condition is a very private matter and people living with it shouldn’t be asked to provide official documentation about it so often. He pointed out that every time they’re forced to do so, it adds another emotional scar, not only on themselves but also for the people around them, characterizing the application of term ‘autistic’ as haunting.
The group have been together for the last two years, learning about technology, how to communicate with the people around them, raising awareness about people with disabilities and simply enjoying each others company.
The Good Wine Club was suggested as a casual idea during a conversation between cofounders Jim Moustakas and Christopher Carter one day in lockdown.
Months later, Mr. Moustakas says he has lockdown to thank for its inception.
“[My partner Chris and I] were talking one night during the lockdown, and we thought, ‘What a good idea to get books and wine onto a platform and offer it to people’,” he tells the Greek Herald.
The Good Wine Club is an independent national wine club launched earlier this year in Sydney.
Jim Moustakas (left) and Christopher Carter (right) (Photos: Supplied)
It randomizes book and wine suggestions for customers 18 years or older while supporting Australian-made wine.
Mr. Moustakas says wine drinking has been ingrained in his Greek heritage and culture since he was a child.
He was born in the central German city of Frankfurt and made the move to Athens with his father after separating from his mother.
“Being of Greek heritage, being born in Germany, and migrating to Australia as a child, food, and wine was and always will be ingrained in my culture,” Moustakas is quoted in a press release.
“We were there for about that three years,” he tells the Greek Herald.
“[My dad] needed help looking after me and so we ended up moving here so that he can get help from my grandparents.”
He ended up moving to Sydney’s inner-city where he’s run his own media content marketing company VisionAir since 2012, but says his “exposure with wine” peaked eight years ago when he co-founded a restaurant in Newtown.
“Me and two other guys [owned Urban Bites] on the northern end of Newtown, towards the Sydney University campus,” he says.
Urban Bites caved into COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in June after 15 years but Moustakas says they “got rid of it about eight years ago now”.
He and his partner Chris combined their experience in the wine industry and their travels across Europe to bring the Good Wine Club.
Moustakas agrees it’s more “mentally stimulating” than “being glued to a TV screen all night.”
Carter says the new Good + Wine Club subscription helps de-digitize lockdown routines and manage “burnout and digital fatigue”.
“It’s almost like a nostalgic feeling when you read a book,” Carter tells the Greek Herald.
“Sometimes we do get an overload and a saturation of digital content and it gets a bit too much for us, especially at this time.”
“We were thinking that it would be a beautiful thing to just get people to just turn off, zone out for two hours with a beautiful glass of Australian wine and a nice book.”
“We wanted to give people that ritualistic thing that happens every Tuesday afternoon or every Thursday night where they just turn off their phones for two hours and tune into a nice book.”
It’s the perfect timing for the millions of Australians currently working from home in lockdown.
“Especially at this time too, we have got people you know at home basically just working off the computer and you know coming in and out of zoom calls,” he adds.
New South Wales’ Newcastle Jets football club has signed on Greek footballer Savvas Siatravanis for the upcoming A-League season.
The former Xanthi player had widely been speculated to have been in talks with the Jets for weeks.
Jets coach Arthur Papas finally confirmed that Siatravanis has the “attacking instincts” and “work ethic” to make a successful attacker in the A-League.
“Savvas is an experienced player who can play anywhere across the front third,” Papas tells Newcastle Herald.
“He is a consummate professional, and he’s a player who combines attacking instinct with a fantastic work ethic.”
Siatravanis, 28, will become the squad’s new player for a year.
He has represented Greece in football his entire career and says he is up for the “challenge”.
“This is a big challenge for me, and I will do anything possible to succeed in my career and bring that success to the Newcastle Jets,” Siatravanis says in a statement.
“I am excited to join this team, the style of play suits my own qualities and I will work hard to ensure we challenge for the title.”
Unfortunately Maria Sakkari wasn’t able to go one step further in the US Open and reach the final, as she found herself overwhelmed by the dynamic of 18-year-old rising star from England, Emma Raducanu, losing 6-1, 6-4.
The 26-year-old started the game on the back foot as she couldn’t keep up with the fast serve of her young opponent and quickly found herself chasing the score. When Raducanu gained a 5-0 advantage, the first set was all but over for Maria, who was simply able to minimize the damage (6-1.)
The aces that had previously served Maria so well were nowhere to be found in this encounter, as was only able to get four across throughout the entire game.
In the second set, the Athenian attempted to fight her way back into the match and won some important points that gave her a small psychological boost, but the young tennis player from England always found a way to respond and kept points on a short duration, which served her style of play.
The end saw Sakkari walk away proud after losing the second set 6-4, knowing she had done all she could. Emma Raducanu will go on to face Canadian Leylah Fernandez, who a few hours earlier had defeated world number two Aryna Sabalenka, 7-6 (7-3), 4-6, 6-4.
This was the second consecutive participation in a Grand Slam semi-final for world no. 17 in the women’s rankings Maria Sakkari, after she made it to the last four of the Roland Garros a few months ago. She’s more than certain to rise up even further after her performances in the competition.
Sydney based photographer, Melissa Gamvros has been documenting her life and the people in it from a young age.
Aiming to encourage the individuals she photographs to express themselves authentically and highlight their uniqueness, Melissa recently launched her own photography portrait business named ‘Woven Pictures’.
What motivates her and why it is now more important than ever to empower and motivate each other? The Greek Australian photographer sat down with The Greek Herald to discuss.
TGH: Melissa, talk to us about your Greek heritage
My Greek heritage was instilled throughout my childhood attributed to my close relationship with my grandparents. They would communicate to me in Greek, and have left a positive impact that will not be forgotten. I have many fond memories spent at their house where they would spoil me with food, and more food, to which I could never refuse.
My other tie to my Greek heritage is to the island of Samos, where my father was born. I have been fortunate enough to visit and spend time there as a second home. When I am there, I feel its vibrancy and warmth and instantly feel connected to the ocean and friendly hospitality, captivated by its beauty.
My career began landing my first job in a small portrait studio in Sydney. I then fell into the ecommerce fashion world working for The Iconic and then relocated abroad following my dreams all the way to London photographing for luxury retailer Net-A-Porter.
TGH: What inspired you to start the ‘Woven Pictures’ project and what makes it unique?
I was inspired to translate my skills of photography into creating a meaningful and valuable experience. The intention behind ‘Woven Pictures’ was born out of this desire to set up an environment where individuals and I felt comfortable enough to properly connect and feel able to express ourselves authentically.
I suppose what makes Woven Pictures unique is the process the client and I go through together. Woven is about pushing boundaries, with no limits or rule books. It can be as rebellious as one wants to highlight their uniqueness. I love bringing these ideas to life in the portraits I take and sharing these experiences with them.
TGH: Your intention is to help women be seen and heard through your photography. Why is this important?
Old paradigms of women’s roles are being challenged and it is important to showcase them.
The opportunity to connect with these women and hear their stories is an honour and meaningful work. The intention of helping women be seen and heard is tied into the name, of Woven Pictures.
The message is that we are all connected and interwoven in a large web. We can all inspire, empower and encourage each other, whether it be in a new business venture or purely just to document a time in your life. I feel compelled to help tell their story and convey it through my photographs.
TGH: Image plays a big role in how people perceive us. Can a photograph, capture who someone really is?
I believe a photograph can, if approached delicately and respectfully, capture the essence of a person. The result of this is dependent however upon the synergy between the subject and the photographer. My aim is to help clarify my clients’ purpose to help them discover how they want to present themselves to the world.
TGH: How does your photography impact the way a woman feels empowered? Would you like to share a story with us?
An experience with one of my clients’ springs to mind who I was fortunate enough to meet. Caroline Heslop (featured in the photograph below) approached me, when she was going through a transformative time in her life. She is the successful founder of marketing agency Sketch.
Caroline Heslop as photographed by Melissa Gamvros
Her hope was to achieve portraits that would reflect her rebranding to mirror her inner strengths and hard work she had put in over many years. She absolutely blew me away! She expressed to me how comfortable she had felt to be herself and this buzz of empowerment she was left with, leaving me feeling the same and grateful for the experience.
TGH: What motivates you to continue?
Focusing on the artistic expression of photography is what motivates me most, the shapes, the lines, the light. I can find beauty amongst everyday life’s mundanities and make use of my camera as a creative outlet.
TGH: What is a quote you live by?
I remind myself of The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. They help me to stay grounded if I find myself off balance. They read:
Be impeccable with your word.
Don’t take anything personally.
Don’t make assumptions.
Always do your best.
TGH: Is there a message you would like to share with aspiring photographers who may be reading this interview?
Believe in yourself and do not seek external validation. Be brave and go out and capture the world. For every set back, there lies a new opportunity. There is no failure, only growth, keep at it and focus on the joy it brings you, leave the rest.
Greek roast lamb shoulder is a household favourite. The slow cooked meat with garlic, herbs and lemon just falls from the bone and is enjoyed by many. Add some potatoes and pumpkin and the meal is complete!
Take a look below to see how you can cook this tasty recipe with the help of ‘Cooking by Vicki.’
Ingredients:
1 lamb shoulder.
1/2 teaspoon of salt.
A pinch of pepper.
Fresh herbs (mint, oregano, rosemary).
2 lemons (1 sliced).
6 cloves of garlic.
Olive oil.
1/4 cup water.
Roast lamb shoulder.
Steps:
1. Clean and trim fat off your lamb shoulder. Place in a cooking dish.
2. Cut small slits into the lamb shoulder and insert garlic cloves.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cut one of your lemons into slices and place around the lamb shoulder.
5. Sprinkle your fresh herbs (mint, oregano and roasemary) on top.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and a bit of lemon.
7. Add 1/4 cup of water into the dish.
8. Cover the dish with foil and place in the oven for 2.5 – 3 hours at 180 degrees.
Greek Australian Paul Nicolaou has been appointed executive director of the advocacy non-for-profit organization Business Sydney.
Nicolaou’s appointment was announced by Business NSW chief executive officer Daniel Hunter this week.
Mr. Hunter says Nicolaou will use his near three decades’ worth of experience in advocacy and philanthropy to “assist those in need” in his new position.
“Paul is well known to many of us in his most recent role at (the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry)…,” Hunter writes in a press release.
“Paul will lead Business Sydney through the challenging economic times we are currently experiencing due to COVID, to the more prosperous, exciting, and opportunistic times that are coming.”
Nicolaou studied commerce and economics at the University of New South Wales around the late ’80s and early ’90s.
He has worked in a number of senior roles across educational and political institutions, to name a few.
Business Sydney is a pro-business organization which “represents the political needs of businesses”, the Business NSW website reads.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Athens Exchange Group (ATHEX Group), Socrates Lazaridis, will be addressing Greek Australians online on Tuesday, September 14 at 4pm as part of the Greek Australian Dialogue Series.
The online conference has been organised by Katia Gkikiza, the Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, and Paul Nicolaou, Director of the Business Leaders Council, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The ATHEX Group includes the parent company and publically traded Athens Stock Exchange (EXCr.AT) and the subsidiaries, Athens Exchange Clearing House (ATHEXClear) and Hellenic Central Securities Depository (ATHEXCSD).
With the Greek economy showing steady signs of recovery, Mr Lazaridis wants to increase the visibility of companies listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, attract new listings, improve liquidity, further develop the corporate bond market and further increase its international profile by expanding on the support services currently being provided to other organised markets such as the Hellenic Energy Exchange Group, Boursa Kuwait and the Cyprus Stock Exchange.
Mr Lazaridis will talk about the Hellenic Stock Exchange, the Greek economy, how Greece is coping with COVID- 19 and the future for the Greek economy.
About the ATHEX Group:
ATHEX Group and its 100% subsidiaries ATHEXClear and ATHEXCSD operate the organised cash and derivatives markets, carry out trade clearing, settlement and registration of securities, provide comprehensive IT solutions to the Greek capital market as well as other ancillary services (colocation, XNET, LEI et al.) and promote the development of capital markets in Greece.
The Group also provides support services to other organised markets such as the Hellenic Energy Exchange in which it holds a 21% stake and to Boursa Kuwait in which it holds a 0.8% stake.
Through its participation in the Hellenic Corporate Governance Council (HCGC) – the Group promotes corporate governance and the adoption of best practices in Greece – www.esed.org.gr.
Following Mr Lazaridis’ presentation there will be a Q&A session.
Details for the video conference:
Date: Tuesday, 14 September 2021
Time: 4 PM – 5:15 PM (AEST – NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, Qld), 9.00 AM (EEST – Athens time)
Link: Zoom link will be forwarded to you after you RSVP.
To RSVP, please email paul.nicolaou@australianchamber.com.au as soon as possible to secure your place in this video conference.
COVID-19, its Public Health Orders and restrictions, and the many uncertainties and risks associated with it, has exacerbated or triggered mental health issues for not only adults, but also children and teens.
Feelings of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, frustration, anger, restlessness, confusion, stress and sadness are normal and expected reactions given the current circumstances we live in, no matter what age we are. Let’s face it, times are tough at the moment, and it’s fair to say its ok to not be ok right now.
Children may be clingier, demanding, needing more attention and reassurance, and teens angrier, withdrawn, and/or volatile.
It can make parenting even more challenging and for this, it is important now more than ever that parents first check in with themselves on how they are feeling and coping, what their needs are, and what they can do to offset their stresses.
Heightened parental stress reduces parents’ capacity to be sensitive, empathic and responsive to children’s emotions and needs in a manner needed to best support children’s resilience and positive adjustment.
Children mirror parent’s emotional states and its normal for them to be sensitive and pick up on parent’s feelings.
Here are some strategies that can be helpful to children’s mental health and wellbeing:
Keep to a Routine: Keeping regular routines around wake, bedtime, and meals, and planning their day so it accommodates the competing demands of chores, activities you all enjoy, fun and rest, adds structure and with this, predictability. Structure and predictability contribute to children’s sense of safety and control during stressful circumstances.
Limit media exposure: Media content is designed to be informative for adults, so it is best to limit media exposure. Children can misinterpret this content and it can cause unnecessary anxiety, confusion and worry for them. It is also best to limit children’s exposure to adult conversations about media content as it is also developmentally inappropriate for children.
Emotionally check-in: Ask your child how they are feeling; what are their challenges, what are their worries. Choose opportunities to have such discussions in an informal way, and also have more than one of these discussions. Encourage your child to ask questions and answer then truthfully using language they will understand and is simple. Acknowledge many people are worried about COVID-19. Guidance on talking to children about COVID-19 can be found on the Australian Childhood Foundation, Unicef, and Health websites.
Get outdoors and exercise: Incorporating daily exercise in children’s routine is good for their body and mental health.
Have healthy balanced meals: Let’s face it, we have all been indulgent during lockdown. Try your best to keep to a healthy diet. Having meal plans which limit high sugar snacks help as these foods can disrupt children’s sleep, digestion, mood, attention and energy levels.
Maintain social connections: Social connection, especially for teens, is important for their sense of belonging, identity, coping, sense of worth and adjustment. They can stay in touch via Facebook, messenger kids, Facetime and other social media platforms given the current Health Orders and restrictions.
Our team has developed a free resource for families and young children, providing at home activity ideas such online yoga and meditation, active indoor activities, and loads of fun craft ideas! To download this free resource, click here: https://t.co/RNRTkILrhfpic.twitter.com/OTj7xp5biM
Declutter and clean: It is important to spend time in an environment that feels good and safe. Having a structured and organised living space can help us feel better.
Music Playlists: Keep playlists of music for different moods.
Get enough sleep: Sleep is just as important to our bodies as eating, breathing, and drinking. It helps us to recover from mental exertion.
Stress busters: Engage in activities such as journaling, meditation, deep belly breathing, walking in nature or being outdoors. Everyone copes in different ways. Headspace and ReachOut have tips for teens in having a healthy headspace. The Smiling Mind, Headspace, and Insight Timer app’s have daily meditation and mindfulness exercises.
Increase your use of Positive Attention and be more present with your child: Spend time having fun with your child. Limit distractions. Observe their activity and deliberately praise their behaviour. Use language like “I love spending time with you”; “I’m so lucky to be your parent”; “I enjoy having fun with you”. It helps build positive relationships.
